Eugene Gordon Manuel, 88, of Butler, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, surrounded by his family at Newhaven Court in Butler.
Born March 10, 1931 in Butler, Gene was the son of the late Frank Manuel and Violet Taggart Manuel Harris.
Gene was happily married for 52 years to Helen Groszkiewicz Manuel, who passed away September 23, 2007.
He is survived by his children, Timothy (Tori) Manuel, of Butler, Terence (Margie) Manuel, of Ambridge, Cynthia (John) Reddick, of Butler, and Gary (Jenn Sandness) Manuel, of Hill City, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Nathan Manuel (Amanda Blackwood), Zachery Manuel (Megan Flannery), Elizabeth Manuel, Patrick Reddick, and Olivia (Sean) Murphy; one great-grandson, Beckett Murphy; in-laws Woody and Irene DeAngelis, of Brackenridge, and Marce Falise, of Lower Burrell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gene was eagerly awaiting the birth of his second great-grandson, who is due in April.
Gene is also survived by his good friend and companion, Gayle Fleming, who brought him much joy in his later years.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Thomas R. Harris; four brothers with whom he remained close all of his life – Charlie Manuel (Janet), his identical twin Jack Manuel (Wilma), Ross Manuel (Connie), and infant brother David Manuel; and two nephews, Chuck Manuel and Jim Manuel.
Gene graduated from Butler High School with the Class of 1950. He retired in 1991 from the Controlling Department at Armco Steel.
Gene served in the U.S. Navy, USS Corry, during the Korean Conflict from 1951 through 1954.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong Christian who spread the good news of Jesus Christ by the way he lived his life.
Gene was above all a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He was dedicated to his family, God and country. Always quick with a story, smile and a laugh, Gene was a good friend to all people who knew him.
Gene was a lifelong Pittsburgh and Butler High School sports fan. He was a former member of the Butler Quarterback Club, Butler Basketball Boosters, Butler Sports Hall of Fame Committee, Boy Scouts of America, and American Legion Post 117.
He will be remembered by many local athletes as a dedicated assistant coach of the Midget Football South Side Blue Streaks for 30 years. He was a former president of the Butler Area Midget Football League. Gene also coached youth basketball and baseball. A season ticket holder for decades, few people have attended more Butler High School varsity football and basketball games than Gene. He was also an avid fisherman.
The Manuel family expresses deep appreciation to the staff of Newhaven Court and VNA Hospice for the care provided the past three years and particularly the past six months.
Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Avenue, Butler, on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 200 East North Street, Butler, with Reverend Hannah Loughman, Associate Pastor, officiating.
Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Butler.
Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by American Legion Post 117, VFW Post 249, and American Legion Post 778.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Butler Area Midget Football League, 110 Whitestown Rd., P.O. Box 523, Lyndora, PA 16045.
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